Waimea Tramping Club Inc.

72 Chelsea Ave, Richmond 7020

www.waimeatrampingclub.org.nz

www.facebook.com/waimeatrampingclub

Newsletter

Vol 49, No 2, June 2021

Editor’s Report Winter weather seems to have come early this year, with fresh snowfalls on the ranges in late April and early May, while some wet weather recently has resulted in a few cancelled tramping trips.

Upcoming trips in the June to September programme include 13 day trips and three weekend trips. Six trips are in our local area while two trips each travel to Kahurangi, Abel and Nelson Lakes, while one trip is heading to the Marlborough Sounds. For some variety there is also one biking trip and one caving trip. Robert Wopereis

Top Shot

St Arnaud Range, Nelson Lakes National Park Club Nights 7:30pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms, Champion Road, Richmond Wednesday 7 July: Equipment Talk Chris Ecroyd and Di Dowle will lead a discussion on tramping equipment with some samples to demonstrate. The emphasis will be on lightweight and/or inexpensive gear.

Wednesday 4 August: Photograph Competition Come and view the best pictures taken by club members over the past year, and cast your vote in the People's Choice Award. Winners go forward to the FMC national competition. Entries close 23 July - full details (and past winning shots) are on the club website under Reports & News.

Wednesday 1 September: Te Araroa Trail Jennifer Thomas has been doing the Te Araroa Trail in sections, starting at Cape Reinga and now halfway down the South Island. She will talk about her experience so far.

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Club News 2021 Annual General Meeting President’s Report At my count we had 97 members in 2021. The eleven-week restrictions caused by the Covid-19 lockdown cancelled 13 planned trips in 2020. Bad weather caused the cancellation of another 4 trips and one trip was cancelled due to low numbers. In spite of all this there has been a record number of trampers out on club trips, from recent records.

We still managed to run 41 trips in 2020 (45 trips in 2019). The club hosted 565 people out on all trips this year, the most on record, and up on the 493 in 2019. There were 31 day trips (14 on a Saturday and 17 on a Sunday), 5 overnight trips and 5 long weekend trips. There were 6 trips with more than 20 participants, all more than the highest number of 19 in 2019. The highest number was 30 trampers on the Kina Peninsula trip on 12th September 2020. The average numbers on day trips was 15 and overnight tramps averaged 8. Our long weekend trips averaged 11 trampers.

It is evident from these statistics that there has been a post Covid surge in tramping in our club this year. We had 14 trip leaders in 2020 compared to 16 the year before. Our thanks go to these leaders Julian (8 trips) Diane (6) Alison, Esther, Maria, Robert (5), Marian, Chris, Colin, David S, David W, Sue J and Rob. It is great that we have a number of club members who willingly offer to lead these trips.

There is a bit of work involved and it is always great to hear heartfelt thanks to the leaders at the conclusion of the trip. We all need to be mindful that overnight trips are much harder to organise, and leaders need clear commitments well in advance and utmost consideration of the arrangements made.

With the larger numbers we all need to be aware of keeping a balance within the group. The ASAPs (get there as quick as possible) need to consider the competing interests of those who love to photograph or botanise bird watch or the shinrin yokus among us (immersing oneself in the forest and soaking in the atmosphere through the senses) and vice-versa. We have had two members who have had unfortunate accidents this year. Both incidents were handled extremely well but we all need to be aware that there is safety in numbers, and we are lucky to have such experienced and well-trained club members.

In November, the club donated $1,000 from club funds to the Nelson Marlborough Helicopter Trust on behalf of members.

The club has also hosted some interesting club nights such as Ray Salisbury’s talk on the Mt Arthur Tableland and an interesting night in December with members bringing their own photos. We also hosted a photo competition, and we used a very competent external judge. The standard of our photographs is in my view excellent and this was confirmed by our external judge.

I would like to thank all the members on our committee. They all do a great job behind the scenes and enable the club to flourish. Our secretary does an amazing job and now is the time to look for a replacement as she has given notice that this will be her last year Our thanks go to Robert who does an amazing job, not only as an active club member but also as editor and producer of our wonderful newsletters and represents the club interests at various liaison meetings. Our thanks to Di for so efficiently managing our finances and our online communications.

Our thanks also to Maria for the work that she does managing a contract with DOC enabling us to contribute to the maintenance of the Chrome Track and hut work and the work that she and Rob and others complete. It is time for the club to find new committee members. Advancing age means that some of us find it difficult to remain as active members and it’s time for others to step up. – Julian Edmonds

Castle Rock Hut repaint On Wednesday 14th April, Eric, Maria and Rob walked in to Castle Rock Hut on the Abel Tasman Inland Track to clean and paint the interior of that hut. DOC had previously flown in all the gear we would need and also shut the hut so we could work without worrying about others coming in to stay. There were a couple of older style tents among the gear in case someone missed the closure notice or signs at each track entry. Fortunately these were not needed. 2

After walking in, we spent the rest of the day scrubbing and sanding all the interior of the hut in preparation for painting.

The next day, we did the first coat of paint in the morning and the second coat in the afternoon. In between, Rob scrubbed and repainted the toilet interior and collected some firewood, while Maria and Eric did some more cleaning and tidying up. Once the painting was all completed we cleaned the windows inside and out and washed down the mattresses. On Friday morning we packed up and returned to Canaan happy with our couple of days work.

Rob has offered to lead a trip to Castle Rock Hut towards the end of July so people can enjoy the clean interior.

WAIMEA TRAMPING CLUB PHOTO COMPETITION Come and view the best pictures taken by club members over the past year, and cast your vote in the People's Choice Award. Winners go forward to the FMC national competition. Entries are due by Friday 23 July 2021. Club night presentation is Wednesday 4 August 2021. For rules & conditions see the club website or lookout for a club email.

Categories: • Above the Bushline (With No Human Element) • Above the Bushline (With a Human Element) • Below the Bushline (With No Human Element) • Below the Bushline (With a Human Element) • Native Flora & Fauna

DOC News Price increase and changes to the Backcountry Hut Pass DOC is increasing the price of the Backcountry Hut Pass from 1 July 2021 (the price hasn’t changed in the last 10 years). 12 month hut pass: $144 (was $122) 12 month hut pass with 30% FMC discount: $100 (was $85) 6 month hut pass: $108 (was $92)

DOC has reviewed and simplified the huts excluded from use from the Backcountry Hut Pass so that it’s now valid for all Serviced and Standard huts except those with bespoke prices and allows the pass to be used off- peak for all huts, except Great Walks.

Price increase on Great Walks New prices are being implemented for the Great Walks in the 2021 - 2022 summer season (October to April) to improve cost recovery and reflect the value of the facilities.

New prices for NZ residents are: $78 per night (was $70), $68 (was $65), $68 (was $65), Abel Tasman Coast Track $42 (was $38), $37 (was $34), $37 (was $24) and the Tongariro Northern Circuit $37 (was $36). Prices remain unchanged for the at $45 and the Lake Waikaremoana Track at $32.

Price increase for popular multi-day tramps Popular tracks including the Travers-Sabine Circuit, Greenstone-Caples and Rees-Dart have new prices being implemented for the 2021/22 summer season (October to April).

The new prices are considered to better reflect the value of the experience and assist with improving costs recovery from the users of the facilities. The price increases from $15 to $20 per night. The winter season price remains $15 per night.

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An eventful day Circuit – Sunday 10 January 2021 A large group set off from Richmond on a very fine morning. We were split into two groups so that we could manage the numbers as a crossover. The logistics worked well and we set off along the Lakeside Track, pausing at Whiskey Falls for morning tea and then on to Coldwater Hut where we had some lunch. Shortly after lunch Julian had a bad fall, splitting open his shin. Julian's shin was attended to and Rob and Ian accompanied him back to Coldwater Hut. The other group were having lunch there so Rob walked out with them. A random boatie took Ian and Julian across the lake, then Ian drove Julian homeward.

Meanwhile, the rest of the anticlockwise group continued on to Lakehead Hut. The river crossing had changed to further upstream as it had washed out lower down, forming a big bank. After a break at Lakehead Hut, we walked on to Kerr Bay where we met up with Rob. The circuit had taken around seven hours.

We found out later that Julian had his shin attended to at Accident & Emergency and because of the nature of the wound, he had to rest his leg for several weeks. Thankfully, it has all healed nicely and he’s out tramping again.

Anticlockwise group (Lakeside carpark to Kerr Bay): Julian, Paula, Donell, Dale, Rob, Maria (scribe) and visitors Ian H, Pauline, Christine and Shana. Clockwise group (Kerr Bay to Lakeside carpark): Marian, Ian W, Anne, Miang, Bernard, Mary H and visitor Donald S.

Light rain but a pleasant time Hacket Hut & Browning Hut, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Saturday 27 February 2021 The dry heat and blue skies promised earlier in the week didn’t eventuate, so today’s trip was tramping only as opposed to a tramp with a swim afterwards. At 8.40am, 15 of us set out from the Hacket carpark in heavy cloud only to stop again at the swing bridge which DOC now recommends only one person cross at a time. It does take a while to get 15 people over individually and on their way again though. DOC has told the club the cables are not strong enough but it is planned to be repaired.

By the time we arrived at Hacket Hut the humidity was high and the rain swooping low. Some sat in the woodshed and took up more room than the shed had wood in it – not because of the size of them rather because there was so little wood in it. Others of us crammed inside to chat with the energetic couple we met cheerfully doing the Te Araroa trail south to north, Starveall Hut to Middy Hut via Rocks Hut in a day. Ouch! Youthful energy or foolishness, you decide.

We took the high-level track to Browning Hut which was steeper Arriving at Hacket Hut, Mt Richmond Forest Park than the several members of the party who hadn’t done it before expected. Once again, our trampers occupied a woodshed to eat in at an hour-long lunch stop adjacent to Browning Hut while the hardier ones braved the light rain falling on the picnic table. The rain had been recent and light, so I felt it was OK to take the low ‘river route’ on our return downstream from Browning Hut. As planned, we bypassed Hacket Hut and met up with the Hacket Track 15 minutes below the hut. From there we continued back downstream on the same track as we had come up. While the track is far from difficult, it is 4 important to watch where you are putting your feet as there are places where the track is narrow and slipping away at the lower edge. Those edges are high above the rocky stream. For that reason, I suggest being wary of taking young children on it or even older children who talk rather than watching where they’re treading.

Our party members arrived safe and sound back at their cars by 4.10pm after a pleasant time out with great company. Those who came were Alison (leader and scribe), David W (co-leader), David M, Colin, Gael, Helen, Julian, Ian, Merrick, Paula W, Robyn, Stephen and Sue along with visitors Jamila and Julie.

Excellent views Goat Hill & Okiwi Bay Hill, Marlborough Sounds – Sunday 7 March 2021 After a pleasant drive we arrived at the Okiwi Bay Scenic Reserve and began the climb up the scenic Goat Hill track. Previous rain had made the track sticky and slippery but the day was fine and there were excellent views of the settlement from the lookout seat. Fishing buoys hanging in the trees made for some interesting photographs. The track winds steadily upward to a stunning lookout at the top of the hill. There were excellent views out over Whangarae Bay and Croisilles Harbour and its small islands. It was beautiful conditions. From there we came out onto Croisilles Road and descended the road then turned into Malcom Ives property.

After a brief lunch stop, we walked up Malcolm’s hill track, meeting him halfway up the track. After complimenting him on the excellent conservation and track work, we carried on to Malcolm’s hut and then to the high point at 490m to get a great lookout over the entire bay. From there we descended back to Malcolm’s wonderful hut, then down another of his tracks, eventually finishing up at his new home for an afternoon cup of tea. From there we walked down the road to our cars. Participants: Julian (scribe), Alison, Colin, Jeni, Paula, Val, Esther S, Okiwi Bay Hill, Marlborough Sounds Eric, Maria, Rob, Lesley, Chris, Jo, Di and visitors Bruce and Esther H.

A glorious autumn day Dew Lakes, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Saturday 13 March 2021 This trip was an honest day tramp. In fact, it was surprisingly how many of our 14 strong party were heard to comment they were sure that the distance between Maitai Dam carpark and the lakes stretched upwards further, every time they walked it. We had a glorious autumn day which was hot enough that were glad for the bush cover during the afternoon.

Colin and Jeni had a different experience to the remaining 12 in the party. The rest of us were overtaken at vast speed somewhere during the first 40 Dew Lakes, Bryant Range minutes when the track is a shared forestry road. No Colin and Jeni were not four-wheel-driving. A 5 locked gate prevents that sort of cheating. However, it’s possible to get mountain / e-bikes around the side of the gate. That’s what they did. I suggested they bring victory flags to wave as they pass when we find other tracks suitable to partly bike and partly walk.

We left the carpark at 9am. Colin and Jeni met us just before the track turns into the bush at Rush Pool. The non-New Zealanders in our party were surprised it was to find a rush filled wetland rather than a clear water- filled pool. The climb from Rush Pool on is consistent and crosses the mineral belt. There’re only small patches of steepness. One of our number was heard to say on the return journey “Did we really come up this?” Really, we all did, in time to get to Dew Lakes for a leisurely 1pm lunch. It’s worth the scramble through the lakes area to find the large open seating area which yields a glimpse of the water in the Marlborough Sounds and an expansive view further across the Richmond Ranges including to Mt Royal where some others from Waimea TC were heading this same weekend. The trip back was considerably quicker meaning we were back at the cars by 5pm having experienced the buzz which comes from the sense of accomplishment; achieving what was planned regardless of twinges of discomfort which are quickly forgotten. Those who came were Alison (leader and scribe), Anne, Colin, Jeni, Jo, Julian, Marian, Mary, Merrick, Miang, Sue and Terri along with visitors Rob and Tony.

A steep climb Mt Royal, Mt Richmond Forest Park – 13-14 March 2021 On the weekend of 13 and 14 March four trampers did a postponed trip to Mt Royal. The weather forecast was looking good this time and we were expecting good views. We arrived at the Onamalutu campground on Saturday evening, to be able to make an early start the next morning. We enjoyed a fabulous starry night and were all wrapped up in our warm layers early in the morning. It was hard to imagine, we would soon be sweating in T-shirts and shorts! We accessed the Mt Royal carpark from Northbank Road, turning off at Fabians Valley Road, which doesn’t require a 4WD vehicle. There is also a good camping spot at the carpark if you take water with you, but you may get an early wake-up call from hunters.

The first hour of the walk is along and through the Quartz Creek, because a large part of the old track has been washed away in a storm. Look out for orange markers. You could take an extra pair of shoes or wear high gaiters if you want to keep your feet dry for the climb. The river levels were fairly low, but it is probably not a good tramp to do after heavy rainfall. After leaving the river we started climbing on the spur, steeply in places, with some rocky outcrops to climb over, but with no steep drop-offs. We already got some nice views into the Wairau Eric and David on the summit of Mt Royal Valley, towards the mountains in the east and the North Island. It was a very clear and sunny day and by then we WERE in shorts and T-shirts. The spur takes you to a high point at 1198m, where you turn northwards onto the ridge to Mt Royal peak at 1365m. One of the group decided to stay here while three of us continued along the ridge, which is still in the forest, and only the very last part of the climb is out of the bushline. Here we had our late lunch while taking in the expansive views.

We returned the same way to the carpark and completed the trip in nine hours. Things to consider: there was no water on the climb and there were lots of wasps. Total elevation gain of 1200m and total distance 16.5km, club rating: hard. Those on the trip: David W, Arif, Eric, Esther (scribe).

A great loop Maitland Ridge Circuit, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Sunday 21 March 2021 A very brisk pace was set by a group of eleven trampers departing from the Red Hills carpark, knowing that we had a full day ahead of us. After only 370m we reached the junction of the new Wots Up Doc Track, the 6 track we would come out on later on. But we continued along the Red Hills Track with some of the group diverting along a new winding section of track, while others wanted to carry along the rougher but more direct old track. The tracks re-joined and we then explored the old cobb cottage on the edge of farmland. From here it was steadily uphill for 450m on an old vehicle track to Red Hills Hut for our first break after 1¾ hours. Westward from here it was an easy climb up into the bush to a small knoll then along to the main highpoint of Maitland Ridge at 1202m. Before long we emerged onto a clearing with an outlook southwest, but we continued on a few more minutes to the best viewpoint, nearly halfway along the ridge with magnificent views across to the Raglan Range and down the Wairau Valley. After our lunch at the lookout there were two or three more small saddles and highpoints to go over before a long steady climb up the ridge, emerging out of the bush and onto the Beebys 4WD road at about 1300m. The Maitland Ridge Track along from the hut had taken us 3¼ hours.

We descended the Beebys Road for one hour then turned off onto the new Wots Up Doc Track, 800m up from the gravel Road. This turnoff is not yet signposted with any DOC sign on the roadside, but there is a MTB Trails Trust sign on the track just off the road. The nice wide track descended steadily in about 20 zigzags then cut across the hillside with a couple of stream crossings of Six Mile Creek to emerge back onto the Red Hills Track, then finishing back at the Red Hills carpark. The new Wots Up Doc Track had taken us 1¼ hours and the whole circuit was On the Maitland Ridge Track, Mt Richmond Forest Park completed in 7½ hours.

Everyone seemed satisfied with their achievements and the excellent new track topped off a great loop on a nice fine day. The MTB Trails Trust have future plans for two other tracks branching off this circuit which could also give further tramping options. The group was Robert (scribe), Marie, Colin, Julie, Maria, Rob, Diane, Pete, Gael, newcomer Tony and visitor Astrid.

Topping out on Arthur Mt Arthur, – Saturday 27 March 2021 This trip was planned for Sunday, but a rather dismal forecast brought it forward a day to Saturday. Saturday wasn’t looking too spectacular either, so a combination of the forecast and the day change saw participant numbers reduced drastically to seven.

Our small select posse headed off from Flora Saddle carpark on Saturday morning at 9, with a Plan B in case our summit bid was thwarted. Mt Arthur Hut was reached in time for morning tea, and then we left the trees behind Celebrating summiting Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park and ascended steadily above the bushline and into the heavy cloud.

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We thought we’d see how far we could get; ideally we would climb above the pesky cloud, and even if not, achieve our summit goal nevertheless. We certainly did not want to resort to our backup plan (descending down to Flora Hut and then either strolling up Mt Lodestone or to the Gridiron Rock Bivvies).

Unfortunately the cloud didn’t disperse because there was no wind, but thankfully the higher we went, the thinner and more fluid it became. We passed the junctions to Horseshoe Basin and then Ellis Hut, and it was all going swimmingly. There’s a scree sidle near the summit and a couple of small scrambly bits, but these were polished off in short order, and about three or so hours after leaving the carpark we were at the summit cairn, just in time for lunch.

It was the first ascent for four of the seven group members, who were all very chuffed with their achievement. Views were extremely fleeting, but that didn’t matter too much - there’s something very special about standing on a mountain top where there’s nothing higher anywhere around you. And then we retraced our steps downwards in ever-diminishing cloud, with a stop at Mt Arthur Hut for afternoon tea, and seven hours from setting off from Flora Saddle we were back at the cars. Job well done.

The summiteers were: Diane (leader and scribe), Anna, Deb, Lynley, Tony, David and Gael.

Kiwi Saddle Hut, Kahurangi National Park – 2-4 April 2021 Cancelled (weather)

Short and sharp Mt Duppa, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Sunday 11 April 2021 The group headed for the northern end of the Bryant Range, turning off onto a well-signposted forestry road 5km past Whangamoa Saddle. We travelled 4km up the forestry road and parked at a skid site then walked the last 2km of rougher road. The extra 25 minute road walk was a welcome warm-up, as the start of the track itself begins steeply. Underfoot conditions were good despite heavy rain the previous day, but there were two large windfall trees to negotiate, taking a little extra time. One hour up the track we had to thread through an impressive section of rugged limestone outcrops and which was the steepest part of the track. After this the gradient eased slightly and we soon emerged from the bush to the 1143m summit after 2¼ hours from the cars. There was very little wind however cloud prevented any outlooks. We continued about five minutes further along the ridge to some large rock outcrops which we clambered up onto for our lunch while the sun peeked through briefly.

We returned back down to the cars in just over two hours and were home by mid-afternoon. Despite not getting any views the group enjoyed this area of splendid bush for a short and sharp trip, close to Nelson. The eight participants were Robert (scribe), Anna, Sue J, Maria, Rob, Marian, Diane and Gael.

A grand traverse St Arnaud Range Traverse, Nelson Lakes National Park – Saturday 17 April 2021 The autumn day dawned well on the northern St Arnaud Range and sixteen of us from all over the district assembled at St Arnaud to explore it. We shuttled the cars so that half of us could go up a trap line near Beech Hill Rise, along the ridge, and down to Kerr Bay via Parachute Rocks, while the other half did the same trip but in the opposite direction. The grunt up the hill was rewarded by a pleasant stroll along the ridge, where we all met for lunch in the middle.

We were expecting it to be cold on the tops, and we were rewarded Traversing the St Arnaud Range, above Lake Rotoiti by sleet flurries, but fortunately we had plenty of warm clothes, the 8 wind wasn’t too strong, and the sun sneaked through. Six and a half hours got us from one end to the other, with the reward of ice creams for some on the way back to the bustle of our every-day lives. On the trip were: Mary H, Robert, Rob M, Maria, Grant, Sue J, Liz, Marian, Chris E, Pete, Diane and David S (scribe) and newcomers Ian H, Rob L, Henriette and David M.

Medium sweet Picton Walks – 24-26 April 2021 Saturday: Five of us travelled down to Havelock arriving there a little before midday to have lunch at a nice picnic table overlooking the waterfront. Then a drive along the Queen Charlotte Drive to walk part of the Link Pathway. This 42km pathway which links Havelock and Picton was started in 2005, driven by the community and overseen by the Link Pathway Trust. The final stretch was completed earlier this year. We chose to do the bit between Ngakuta Bay and the Grove which is probably the best part. The tide was in and the water was calm, we spotted kayaks, paddle-boarders and fishermen. It took the group a little over two and half hours to do the trip and return. It’s a well graded track through native bush and great headland sea views. We got to Picton around 4pm and checked in to our private dwelling (friend Paul’s place). After being joined by another, our party headed to the busy RSA for a nice meal and beverages.

Sunday: Our eager walkers left at 8.30am for the one hour drive to Marfells Beach, and with the high tide in the afternoon, we didn’t want to get caught out. The group was seven now as another member was with us for today. The walk is from the eastern end of Marfells Beach to the Cape Campbell lighthouse. We started walking around 9.45am along the coast in a stiff breeze. There were quite a few people about, beach buggies, families and walkers like ourselves. Since the 2016 earthquake the coastline has been uplifted considerably making it actually quicker to get there. Cape Campbell lighthouse Ambling along we arrived at the turning point at the excellent information board at the bottom of the steps. The only hill today was the steps to the lighthouse. It was very windy up there and although the view was good we did not linger too long. Lunch was taken out of the wind, at the bottom on the grass. We were entertained by seals putting on a show for our photographers. There are some nice private cottages nearby which would make a good weekend provided there were other walks to do. Heading back the tide was coming in but this was no problem and on the drive back we visited the salt works and the sinking concrete bridge. The evening meal was various takeaway options.

Monday: We planned to do the Snout Track with our numbers back to five. Starting at 9am from our accommodation, the team walked passed the marina and yacht club to climb the track to Bob’s Bay and it didn’t take long to get views of Queen Charlotte Sound. Arriving at Bob’s Bay for morning tea we noticed some kayakers gentling paddling on the calm waters. Upwards and onwards to join the road and a walk of about 200 metres to join the main Snout Track. From here there are various mountain bike tracks crossing over, so one has to keep a good lookout. In the bush again with occasional glimpses of the coast, the next goal was the Centennial Lookout and information board. Most people turn back from here but we are purists and wanted to go the end. Another 30 minutes on the downward and we reached the Snout Head picnic area. The group lingered here for a while and I spotted a track to get to the water’s edge but alas no, there was a wasp nest blocking the way. So it was back via a mountain bike track to the road at a swift pace where we met Paul (our host) for lunch. The troupe took a different way back via the Waikawa Track and the Victoria Domain (a ride was offered), then we were down to only two people. Up a short sharp hill, we passed the reservoir, and dropped down to the marina and finished by about 2.30pm.

An excellent relaxing weekend, great weather, good company and our host Paul was a top man. Those out and about were: David (leader), Di, Anne, Miang, Val, Liz, and Julie (visitor). 9

Murder & mayhem on the Maungatapu Maungatapu Crossover, Bryant Range – Saturday 1 May 2021 In June 1866, at a place now known as ‘Murderers Rock’ on the Maungatapu Road, five travellers were ambushed and savagely murdered. The culprits were a group of four, all with previous criminal records, known as the Burgess Gang. The road was the only route between the goldfields near Canvastown and Nelson, and the gang hoped for a large payday. Instead they netted a total of only 320 pounds. One of the gang informed on the others for a 200 pound reward and immunity, and the other three members of the gang were hanged.

On a sunny Mayday in 2021, all was quiet and serene on the Maungatapu Road. It is closed to vehicles, the access road to Nelson now routed over the Whangamoa Saddle, but is open to hikers, mountain bikers and dirt bikers. As the two road ends are over an hour’s drive apart, the trip was organised as a crossover, with eight people (two cars) starting at the Maitai Valley end in Nelson, and a further eight starting at the Pelorus Valley end. To save Saturday morning carpark chaos - whose group am I in, what car am I going in, what car am I coming Murderers Rock on the Maungatapu Track back in, which cars get what fares - the leader sent out a detailed email in advance, and the meetup in Paru Paru Road was as smooth as silk.

The south-bound group set out from the Maitai at 8.35 and finished at 2.10. The north-bound group set out at 9.40 and finished at 3.45. Both had an uphill climb to the Maungatapu Saddle (which is the intersection of the Dew Lakes and Saddle Hill tracks), the south-bound group’s climb being steeper and the north-bound’s group more gradual. The whole route is on a wide gravel and clay 4WD road. At 11.45 both groups met up on the south side of the Maungatapu Saddle for the key swap, and the leader decreed an early lunch. 45 minutes later after food, a yarn, and for some a snooze, the two parties waved goodbye and continued on their ways.

When the south-bound group arrived at Murderers Rock the leader suggested a re-enactment of the infamous crime, but as everyone wanted to do the murdering, rather than being stabbed, strangled and/or shot, this did not eventuate. There was however unanimous enthusiasm for a post-walk coffee/ice cream at the Pelorus Bridge café before driving back to Nelson over the Whangamoa Saddle.

Southbound - Diane (leader and scribe), Anna, Karen, Marian, Chris, Roger, Maureen and Kerry (visitor). Northbound - David W, Alison, Gael, Julie H, Esther, Lynley, Julian and Alan (visitor). Lesley G also joined us for a there-and-back from the Maitai to Murderers Rock.

In & out in the nick of time Beebys Knob, Mt Richmond Forest Park – Saturday 8 May 2021 Saturday was the forecast to be the first of five wet days after an unseasonably hot and fine week. We decided to go on our tramp anyway. We wanted the satisfaction of knowing we’d been tramping at the last possible moment before the rain set in. It turned out to be a good call.

Twelve of us set off at 9am from the Beebys car park which only has a small, low level DOC sign to it, soon after ‘Anything Mechanical and More’ on the left when driving south on the Korere-Tophouse Road. Reaching the Tophouse Road itself, means having driven too far.

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It was so dry underfoot for the couple of hours we were climbing up the bush track to where it joins the 4WD road coming up from nearer Tophouse, we were grateful that there’d soon be rain and plenty of it. We enjoyed seeing so many different varieties and colours of the fungi close to where we were walking. That’s the reason for choosing to do this tramp in autumn. Some had more photo stops than others. Marian danced like we’d never seen her dance before on finding a patch of the delicate royal blue species she’d been hoping to locate. One of our Fungi on the Beebys Knob Track number was less fortunate. He pulled a thigh muscle as we reached the 4WD road. He still wanted to stride out boldly regardless. The mist however, which was rapidly advancing towards us, put pay to that idea. Instead, we used a Smart phone app to get us as near to Beebys Knob as we could while still staying on the road. The mist curtain drew itself back just for a few moments so that the first timers could see the transmitters on the knob. We had a brief lunch stop then headed downwards.

Back at the junction Karen and Maria escorted our patient down the 4WD track which was quicker and meant that had he not been able to walk the full distance, someone could have driven up to collect him. That of course would have been impossible on the bush track which is steep in places and occasionally has tricky footholds. Rob moved faster than the rest of us through the bush and had sorted the transport to collect the other three by the time we arrived back at the Beebys carpark at 3pm. We were pleased to have been out for the walk and to have beaten the mist down the hill.

Those who came were Alison (leader and scribe), Marian, Anthea, Bernard, Helen, Ian, Liz, Karen, Maria and Rob along with visitors Kerry and Lynley.

Exploring the bay Golden Bay Walks – 14-16 May 2021 Golden Bay Holiday Park was our ‘base’ from which we would do a few day walks. To make the most of the weekend we timed our arrival for mid Friday afternoon. That gave us time to settle in and then do a beach walk. Firstly, towards Parapara Inlet, examining ilmenite rocks, and then back towards the river mouth. Darkness turned us back to our accommodation.

It rained overnight, but by morning it was fine so we drove to the Devil's Boots and beyond to the Aorere Goldfields. Here is a 10km The Ballroom Cave, Goldfields Track, Golden Bay circuit that takes you over an area where there was gold mining back in the 1800s. Tailings, water canals and old gold mining relics were evident on the way. Stafford's Cave was a gaping hole in a hollow. Further on was the Ballroom Cave. This was easy to enter and we could easily cross the ‘ballroom floor’ to explore the cavities beyond it. Then we were following along an old water race to 11

Druggan’s Dam. This was an interesting feature but quite devoid of aquatic birds. Maybe because it is duck shooting season? Our sunny lunch spot was on a knoll in regenerating manuka. From here we had views to and of the Burnett and Quartz ranges. After lunch we followed the mountain bike track back to our vehicles. This was just over a 4.5 hour exploration and ramble.

After a short mid-afternoon break at our ‘base’ we checked out the Washbourne Scenic Reserve. It was pretty wet underfoot for the first part. We passed the powerhouse and went up the track towards the weir until we got a sea view. A couple of people went a bit further to reach the two chimneys, shortly before the weir. Time ran out so we returned to the powerhouse and out. This was a 5km return trip taking a couple of hours.

Sunday morning dawned with light rain. We packed up and drove to Milnthorpe Park. Consulting a map from the box there, we walked many of the tracks and wondered at the stillness of the ducks on the pond. These decoys were another reminder that it was duck shooting season. After an hour, with a soggy map, and the rain getting heavier, we decided that a café in Takaka sounded good. We had a nourishing late morning tea and a good chat time at the Wholemeal Café before heading back over the Takaka Hill and home for a late lunch. Those participating were: Maria (scribe), Rob, Eric, Anne L, Mary H, Sue J, Anthea and Val. We were joined by Esther on Saturday evening.

Great rocky viewpoints Editor Hill, Marlborough Sounds – Saturday 22 May 2021 Eleven members met at the Paru Paru Road carpark and enjoyed a very pleasant drive to Opouri Saddle with early morning mist enhancing the scenery along the way. We started walking at 9am along a track which is not well marked at first, but there are blue track markers along the way. Obviously it is not an official DOC track but one put in for the DOC staff working on snail monitoring etc. in this area. The track keeps mostly to the ridgeline and along the top of the unnamed high points 945, 977 and 935. We enjoyed morning tea at a spot with an opportunity for good views but morning cloud obscured the views most of the time.

The forest is mainly beech forest, changing from red beech lower down to silver and mountain beech on the higher slopes. There are scattered kaiwaka on the high ridges and some mountain totara. A couple of predated empty Powelliphanta hochstetterii snail shells were also noted along the way (see: inaturalist.nz/observations/79742417). There are some 28 different species, mainly plants, recorded on the iNaturalist website from this trip.

There is a locked DOC Hut just past the peak marked “935”. About 600m past the hut there is a fork in the track with one option taking a sidle to Editor Hill. We decided not to go to the top of Editor Hill but instead go to the summit of the hill marked “1040” which is 8m higher and has better views. We arrived at the summit in time for lunch. A light breeze and cool conditions encouraged us to put more layers on but it was a great time of the year to do this tramp with a climb of more than 500m. The track is one which is not especially difficult but certainly requires care and there are a few steep spots where roots are useful handholds. There were some better views over the Marlborough Sounds on the return trip with most of the cloud having cleared. We also enjoyed a magnificent sunset over Tasman Bay as we drove into Nelson at around 5.30pm. The group consisted of Di, Marian, Sue, Chris (scribe), Kerry, Bernard, Maria, Rob, Tony, Colin and Anne.

Wooded Peak, Bryant Range – Sunday 30 May 2021 Cancelled (weather)

John Tait Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park – 5-7 June 2021 Cancelled (weather)

Tramping Grades Gradings are a combination of gradient, distance and roughness of track Easy – up to 4 hours on a good track, easy gradient Easy/moderate – up to 6 hours on a good track, mostly easy gradient Moderate – 6 hours plus, on a rougher track, some climbing Moderate/hard – Up to 8 hours on rougher track, often climbing Hard – 8 hours plus on a rough track, often steep Club Contacts Secretary: Jo Ecroyd 544 7038 Email: [email protected] Editor: Robert Wopereis 544 0142 Email: [email protected] 12

Waimea Tramping Club Programme – June-September 2021 When planning to go on any trips please contact the leader by Monday night for an overnight trip and by Thursday night for a day trip. Make phone calls before 9pm please. If you are staying in a hut, remember your hut tickets! You, NOT THE CLUB, are responsible for your safety and well-being on trips.

Date Trip Map Grade & Cost Contact

Saturday Richmond Hills N27 Moderate Chris or Jo 544 7038 or 12 June Barnicoat Range BQ26 $0 027 216 5772 Starting at Easby Park on Marlborough Crescent in Richmond, this involves walking along some of the lesser used tracks in the Richmond Hills. About 5 hours. Sat-Sun Wakaretu Bay P27 Moderate Esther 027 656 8228 19-20 June Pelorus Sound BQ28 $24 Arrive at Jeff’s bach in Wakaretu Bay near Havelock on Friday afternoon or evening ($10 per person, per night). On Saturday explore the new tracks at Mt Takorika in Havelock with great views on a fine day, taking 4-5 hours return. On Sunday climb Mt Cawte (3 hours) and possibly a walk at Pelorus Bridge on the way home. Saturday Mid-Winter Mystery Tour O27 Easy Alison 545 8399 or 26 June Nelson BQ26 Lunch $$ only Sue 021 267 1298 Try guessing the new route if you like. All Alison will say it’s that it’s up and down rather than flat. Allow for up to 4 hours walking followed by lunch at a local cafe. Saturday Lodestone/Mt Arthur Hut Circuit M27 Moderate Di 021 144 3471 3 July Kahurangi National Park BQ24 BP24 $17 From Flora carpark, ascend Mt Lodestone, then drop down to Flora Hut. Up again on the alpine route to Mt Arthur Hut, then down the standard route back to the cars. Wednesday CLUB NIGHT: 7:30 pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms 7 July Equipment Talk Champion Road, Richmond Gold coin donation Chris Ecroyd and Di Dowle will lead a discussion on tramping equipment with some samples to demonstrate. The emphasis will be on lightweight and/or inexpensive gear. Saturday Lake Rotoiti Walks N29 Easy/moderate Chris or Jo 544 7038 or 10 July Nelson Lakes National Park BR24 $21 027 216 5772 From the Ice Skating Pond carpark at St Arnaud we will walk the full length of the Big Bush cycle track through native forest and then back through the shrub land along the river flats. We may have time to add the Anglers Walk into the loop back to the carpark. Sunday Biking the Great Taste Trail N26 Easy David W. 021 201 5682 18 July Rabbit Island BP25 $0 A leisurely start time and will be a scenic, mostly flat ride to Rabbit Island where we will have lunch. If time permits, ride through the trees to the ferry stop. Sat-Sun Castle Rock Hut N26 Moderate Rob 541 8598 24-25 July Abel Tasman National Park BP25 $18 or $13 Walk from the Canaan Downs carpark to Castle Rock Hut (8-bunks, $5 hut ticket) on the Inland Track. Could go in from Marahau depending on the weather or it could be a crossover trip subject to numbers. Some tenting may be required. Saturday City Heights Circuit O27 Easy Alison 545 8399 or 31 July Nelson BQ26 $0 027 458 6847 Bring your lunch and allow 5 hours of walking up hill and down dale several times over, while enjoying great company. Wednesday CLUB NIGHT: 7:30pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms 4 August Photograph Competition Champion Road, Richmond Gold coin donation Come and view the best pictures taken by club members over the past year, and cast your vote in the People's Choice Award. Winners go forward to the FMC national competition. ** Note: entries close 23 July - full details (and past winning shots) are on the website under Reports & News **

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Date Trip Map Grade & Cost Contact

Sunday Spooners Tunnel, Shedwood N28 N27 Easy Julian 542 3147 or 8 August Bush & Sherry Valley Bush BQ25 BQ24 $10 021 186 7537 Walk through the 1.4km long Spooners Tunnel, the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere (part of the Great Taste Trail). Then drive to and walk the Shedwood Bush Track. Finally head to Jeff’s place at Sherry River and walk a pleasant circuit through native bush. Saturday Takaka Hill Walkway & N26 Easy Alison 545 8399 or 14 August BP25 $18 027 458 6847 or Marian 541 0842 On Takaka Hill follow a loop track in karst country taking 2½-3 hours. Then at Canaan carpark take a 45-minute track through beech forest with stunning limestone rock formations to Harwoods Hole, NZ’s deepest vertical shaft (176m). Sunday Kaka Hill – Maitai Valley O27 Easy/moderate Esther 027 656 8228 22 August Nelson BQ26 $1 Explore less familiar tracks close to Nelson. Climb up Kaka Hill in the Sharland Creek area, then follow the ridge and return via Sharlands Road. Saturday Boulder Bank O27 Easy Sue 021 267 1298 28 August Nelson BQ26 $2 From Boulder Bank Drive, follow the rocky coastline past several historic baches to the iconic Nelson lighthouse taking about 2½ hours, then return the same way. Wednesday CLUB NIGHT: 7:30 pm, Fish & Game Council Rooms 1 September Te Araroa Trail Champion Road, Richmond Gold coin donation Jennifer Thomas has been doing the Te Araroa Trail in sections, starting at Cape Reinga and now halfway down the South Island. She will talk about her experience so far. Sunday Mt Malita O27 Moderate Robert 544 0142 5 September Bryant Range BQ26 $7 (before 1pm) Cross a shallow ford then follow forestry roads and a short track up to this 959m peak taking 2½ hours. Visit the 2-bunk Mt Malita Hut near the summit, then descend partly different forestry roads on the return. Sunday Caving Trip N26 Moderate Esther 027 656 8228 12 September BP25 $16 An opportunity to do some basic caving with the Nelson Speleological Group in the Takaka Hill area. Look out for a club email closer to date for more details. Saturday Speargrass Hut N29 M29 Moderate Marian 541 0842 18 September Nelson Lakes National Park BS24 $24 A day trip from Mt Robert carpark to Speargrass Hut taking about 2½ hours, then return the same way.

Fri-Sat Salisbury Lodge, Gordons M27 Moderate Alison 545 8399 or 24-25 Pyramid, Cloustons Mine Circuit BQ24 BP24 $17 027 458 6847 September Kahurangi National Park Note: a Friday start so we’re back before daylight saving begins. On Friday night stay at Salisbury Lodge (22- bunks, $15 hut ticket). Next morning climb to the top of Gordons Pyramid (1489m), returning to Flora carpark via the Cloustons Mine Track.

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